Ukraine, Zelensky rewards Patron, the anti-mine dog who smelled hundreds of bombs

He is a small-sized Jack Russel terrier, yet his contribution to the Ukrainian resistance is large and important. The little dog Patron, considered a national hero and famous throughout the country, he was awarded by President Volodymyr Zelensky for his ability to sniff out mines and explosives. Until now found over 200 explosive devices (and prevented their detonation) in the northeastern city of Chernihiv: this extraordinary skill was taught to him by its owner, Mykhailo Iliev, who is part of the civil protection service and who has received special recognition.

“Today I want to reward those Ukrainian heroes who are clearing our land of mines,” Zelensky said. “And, together with our heroes, too a small but very famous engineer, Patron, which helps not only neutralize explosives, but also a teach our children the safety rules necessary in areas where there is a threat of mines ». Chernihiv officials are committing to the residents of the dangers of the mines that the retreating Russian forces would leave in different areas of the city. And the contribution of Patron, much loved by children, is truly precious.

In addition to receiving the award from Zelensky, Patron also met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was visiting the country and who announced that Canada would send more weapons to Ukraine.

On the Facebook page ofUkraine State Emergency Serviceswhere updates on Patron’s work are shared, a video of the little dog was posted which he obtained in no time hundreds of thousands of views. The same footage was posted on Twitter by Stratcom Center UA.

Dogs have been used for demining since the Second World War, due to their ability to detect bombs much faster than humans. According to experts, they are particularly efficient in conflict zoneswhere large amounts of debris hinder the operation of normal metal detectors.

A dog’s sense of smell is far better than a human’s and makes it able to smell explosive substances contained in landmines, as well as metal or plastic housing components.